Dublin after dark

The Irish capital is at its hedonistic best only once the sun goes down

You’ve posed with Molly Malone on Grafton Street; you’ve strolled up and down Liffey Bridge; you’ve been sightseeing, shopping and for dinner. What comes next in Dublin? What else but a pint of good ol’ Guinness. Here are some of the Irish capital’s hottest locations to explore after dark:

Temple Bar No one should leave Dublin without visiting The Temple Bar. Yes, it’s touristy but for good reason – the craic. Always up for fun, the bar hosts live music events every evening which range from folk to instrumental and the traditional Irish fiddle. It’s not unusual for someone in the audience to start some spontaneous Irish dancing either. In summer you can enjoy the beer garden, while in winter, this is the perfect place to settle in for a few hours. Between its Guinness and its huge whiskey selection (410 varieties), choosing a drink might take some time but friendly staff and helpful locals are always able to offer some advice. Don’t leave without visiting the souvenir shop for a branded hoodie or bar sign.Temple Bar, 48 Temple Bar Rathmines, Dublin 2, Ireland (+353 1 6725286; www.thetemplebarpub.com)

The Vaults Deep beneath one of Dublin’s train stations, something interesting is happening. It’s 10PM; the music is pumping; the drinks are flowing and Dubliners are partying hard. This is The Vaults, one of the city’s most intriguing venues made up of 10 inter-connecting underground arches spruced up and styled to stunning effect. Add to this the fantastic sound system and you’re in for a good night. Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular nights with the former playing electro and progressive house and the latter playing dance, hip-hop and soul. The Vaults, 1 Harbourmaster Place Dublin 1, Ireland, (+353 1 605 4700; www.thevaults.ie)

Café en Seine It may not overlook Paris’ River Seine, or even Dublin’s own River Liffey, but this café and bar oozes Parisian charm from every corner. Café en Seine is intricately decorated with brass statues, art nouveau lanterns and glass-panelled ceilings. Order a glass of chilled white wine and be transported to the French capital – a fresh alternative on the Dublin pub scene.Café en Seine,39 Dawson Street Dublin 2, Ireland (+353 1 677 4567; www.cafeenseine.ie)

Twisted Pepper A super-cool venue with vibrant pop art splashed across its walls, welcome to Twisted Pepper. By day this is a coffee shop and favourite Dubliner hang-out, but it is only as daylight dims that the space really comes alive. Run by Bodytonic, a local music production company, you’ll find plenty of live acts on stage here, with a focus on hip-hop and electronica. Twisted Pepper, 54 Middle Abbey St Dublin 1, Ireland (+353 863 252 471; www.bodytonicmusic.com/thetwistedpepper)

O2 Dublin In Dublin and a live music fan? Then be sure to catch a concert at Dublin’s O2 arena. With acts such as Blink 182, Madness and Jennifer Lopez scheduled to hit the stage in 2012, this is Ireland’s top music venue. The venue also hosts comedians on a fairly regular basis. The 14,000 capacity makes for an electric atmosphere, but don’t expect much in the way of pre-gig entertainment; the venue has four bars but they don’t serve until the show has started. Be sure to book in advance on their website.The O2, ?North Wall Quay,? Dublin 1, ?Republic Of Ireland (+353 1 819 8888; www.theo2.ie)

Alchemy Stylish interiors and scrumptious cocktails make this one of Dublin’s hottest nightclubs. Alchemy’s chic patrons know how to party and the atmosphere here is buzzing most nights, but Monday’s are surprisingly popular – there’s even a dedicated Monday’s at Alchemy Facebook page! Dress to impress and join the crowd on the dance floor as DJs spin the latest club classics.Alchemy, 13 – 17 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland (+353 866629 575; http://alchemyclub.ie)

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